A sweet family run onsen ryokan inn on the banks of Kinugawa Onsen in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Perfect for those looking for a weekend getaway, staycation that’s easily accessible from Tokyo

Built in 1946, Hatori Ryokan is named for the former title of the area before the Edo Period and is currently helmed by the Yondaime (fourth generation family head). Found throughout the onsen ryokan are drawings of a stylised monkey found on kimonos by illustrator Ueda Miyuki which symbolises the playfulness of children and their families, and the hope for the future. A variety of rooms are available from traditional Japanese to modern fusion, with 8 of their rooms featuring open air baths.

Since 1868, Tachibana Shikitei in Yamashiro Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture has offered a quiet elegance, with its intimate live piano performances each evening. Recently renovated, their 20 rooms offer a sumptuous, luxurious experience with spacious designs and warm tatami floors, decorated with the beautiful crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture, whilst their upper floor suite rooms are a relaxing blend of both modern and Japanese aesthetics overlooking Kosoyu and Yakuoin Onsenji. Over half their rooms have open-air private onsen.

Turn a path down this onsen ryokan interior and feel like you’ve entered the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away in this original traditional annex dating back to 1884, with private guest rooms each with their own Japanese garden and 6 with open-air private onsen. Make sure to make time to visit in your travels Haiya Ryokan in Awara Onsen in Fukui Prefecture

Okutama Onsenkyo is a locally run onsen ryokan in Tokyo which is a perfect local respite at the edge of the city’s borders where one can be immersed in stunning nature, forests, clear waters and beautiful surroundings. A wonderful little getaway to escape the concrete jungle of Tokyo city

Located in the sprawling Hanamaki Onsen complex of four hotels in Iwate Prefecture, Kashoen is their luxury traditional onsen ryokan with private onsen available in several of their rooms. Their other rooms feature hinoki baths to enjoy the revitalising scent.

Yuukaen onsen ryokan is located in Yamanokami Onsen, in the heart of Hanamaki Minami Onsen Gorge in Iwate Prefecture. It is a beautiful onsen ryokan crafted in the outstanding Japanese craftmanship of kanawatsugi. Spacious rooms feature stunning Japanese wooden architecture, whilst guests can enjoy the large public onsen outdoors with gorgeous views of nature.

A luxurious modern onsen ryokan in Tsuchiyu Onsen town in Fukushima Prefecture, with only 9 rooms. All rooms have private indoor onsen baths with fresh flowing onsen water pouring directly into it. Their premium villa has it’s own private outdoor onsen. All other shared onsens between guest are privately reserved for you at certain times during your stay, so one can enjoy a private onsen experience

A larger style onsen ryokan in Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, sat on a hill overlooking beautiful scenery with easy access to local sights, and a local sake specialty bar on the premises. A variety of rooms are available, in traditional Japanese style or Japanese/Western style with bathrooms. A semi open air private onsen is available to be reserved for a fee

A picturesque onsen ryokan lit by oil lamps hidden in a valley deep in the mountains of Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture. Four stunning public onsens to soak in and admire the natural beauty surrounding you. No reception in the area, or electricity in the rooms - a perfect place to go off the grid for a couple nights. Especially beautiful to enjoy yukimi-buro (snow viewing bath) in winter, but lovely in all seasons. Day trips are also possible.

A local family-run onsen ryokan in Towada, perfectly situated between Hakkoda Mountains, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada in Aomori, Japan. Rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms, whilst dinners are a delicious traditional Japanese kaiseki feast full of local flavours and specialties. There is also a private onsen available for reservation.